In a speech on Friday, former President Goodluck Jonathan reflected on the 2015 presidential election loss, calling it one of the most difficult moments of his political life.
Jonathan recounted the intense emotions he felt upon hearing the results, as if the entire world had turned against him. He shared these reflections during the inaugural Raymond Dokpesi Annual Diamond Lecture, organized by Daar Communications in collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations.
Jonathan, representing the Peoples Democratic Party, lost to Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress, who secured 15,424,921 votes compared to Jonathan’s 12,853,162.
This election was significant as it marked the first instance in Nigeria’s history where an incumbent president lost a re-election bid.
With a smile, Jonathan recounted the deep emotional struggle he faced during that period, stating that the pain was difficult to articulate.
He also acknowledged the supportive role played by Raymond Dokpesi, the Chairman of Daar Communications, prior to his transition of power to Buhari.
The former President said, “It is not easy to lose an election as a president. You will think the whole world is against you. But then, Dokpesi invited me before I handed over. I remember what he said to me when I lost the election.”
Jonathan mentioned the numerous senior statesmen who spoke to him during that time, but it was Dokpesi’s congratulatory message and encouragement to move past the election that resonated with him the most.
“There were so many senior Nigerians (elder statesmen) who spoke. After I listened to all the conversations, he congratulated me and encouraged me to look beyond the election. This is how I commemorated that session.
“That communication gave me hope and helped me not necessarily for the transition hour ahead of me but also in my spiritual life as a private citizen. If you read my book, My Transition Hours, I explain it more elaborately,” he added.